1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Realme C65 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164 × 75.9 × 9.7 mm | 164.6 × 76.1 × 7.6 mm | Realme C65 is noticeably slimmer (2.1mm), potentially feeling more comfortable to hold, while M12 has a larger volume |
| Weight | 212g | 185g | Realme C65 is lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.67" | Realme C65 offers a slightly larger viewing area, enhancing multimedia consumption. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 720x1604 | Both have similar HD+ resolutions; no significant difference in sharpness. |
| PPI | 270 | 264 | Negligible difference in pixel density; both appear similar to the naked eye. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | IPS LCD | IPS LCD in Realme C65 typically offers better viewing angles and color reproduction compared to PLS LCD. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both offer a smoother scrolling experience than standard 60Hz displays. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak brightness is not specified, making it difficult to compare outdoor visibility. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Mediatek Helio G85 (12 nm) | Realme C65's Helio G85 generally offers better performance in benchmarks compared to Exynos 850 |
| AnTuTu Score | 117,341 | 225,154 | Realme C65 provides significantly faster performance for apps, multitasking, and gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | Mali-G52 MC2 | Realme C65's GPU should offer slightly better graphics performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP | 50MP | Realme C65 has a slightly higher resolution, potentially resulting in slightly more detailed photos. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/2.0 | f/1.8 | Realme C65 has a wider aperture allowing more light, potentially leading to better low-light photos. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/2" | 1/2.76" | Samsung Galaxy M12 has a larger sensor, potentially better light capture, but resolution is lower |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.0 | Realme C65 selfie camera should perform slightly better in low light due to the wider aperture |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP | None | Samsung M12 offers wide angle shots, increasing versatility. |
| Portrait (Depth) | 2MP | 2MP | Both provide depth-sensing for portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP | None | Samsung M12 offers a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both offer standard 1080p video capture, suitable for general use |
| Slow-motion | No | Yes, 120 fps | Realme C65 allows slow-motion recording at 120 fps. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones should offer similar battery life, depending on usage |
| Charging | 15W | 45W | Realme C65 charges significantly faster, reducing time spent plugged in. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 14 | Realme C65 has a much newer operating system, with updated features and security. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n (Dual band) | Realme C65 supports dual band Wi-Fi for faster and more stable connections |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 LE | Samsung M12 has more extensive Bluetooth profiles, but Realme C65's LE (Low Energy) is more power-efficient |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Realme C65 has more accurate and reliable positioning due to the additional satellite systems. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32/64/128 GB | 128/256 GB | Realme C65 offers more storage capacity, useful for media and apps |
| RAM | 3/4/6 GB | 6/8 GB | Realme C65 has more RAM, which helps with multitasking and gaming |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Side-mounted | Both use side-mounted fingerprint sensors. |
| Other | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity, Hall | Accelerometer, Compass, Proximity | Samsung M12 includes a gyroscope for better gaming and VR/AR applications, while Realme C65 includes a compass. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy M12 Advantages:
- Wider camera versatility: Includes a dedicated wide-angle lens and macro lens, offering more options for photography.
- Gyroscope sensor: For more accurate motion tracking in VR/AR and games.
- Larger main camera sensor size: This may lead to better low light performance in theory but is offset by the lower megapixel count
Realme C65 Advantages:
- Significantly faster performance: Mediatek Helio G85 chipset results in much higher benchmark scores, leading to smoother operation for apps, multitasking, and gaming.
- Faster charging: 45W charging drastically reduces charging times compared to Samsung's 15W.
- Newer Android Version: Android 14 offers the latest features and better security compared to M12's Android 11.
- Larger Storage and RAM: The Realme C65 boasts more storage and RAM, leading to better multitasking and more space for apps.
- Lighter and Slimmer Design: The Realme C65 is lighter and slimmer, making it more comfortable to hold and carry.
- Better screen technology: IPS LCD screen generally has better color accuracy and viewing angles than PLS LCD screens.
- Improved GPS: Support for additional satellite systems (QZSS, Galileo) for more accurate positioning.
Trade-offs:
- Camera versatility: Realme C65 lacks the wide-angle and macro lens found on the Samsung M12.
- Sensor differences: Samsung M12 has a gyroscope, while the Realme C65 has a compass. Which one is better depends on user's needs.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy M12 Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users: Seeking an affordable device with a focus on camera versatility.
- Users who prioritize wide-angle and macro photography: Those who need those features.
- Users who do not require heavy gaming or multitasking: Casual users who do not push their phones too hard
- Users of basic productivity and media consumption: Suitable for those who mostly use social media and other mainstream applications.
Use Cases for Samsung Galaxy M12:
- Taking various types of photos, including landscapes and close-ups.
- Casual gaming and general app use.
- Basic daily tasks such as calls, texts, and social media browsing.
Realme C65 Ideal User:
- Performance-oriented users: Those who value fast and smooth phone performance.
- Users who prioritize battery charging speed: Those needing quick charging.
- Users who want modern software: Prefer the latest features and updates of Android 14.
- Users who enjoy mobile gaming: Those looking for a budget-friendly gaming phone.
Use Cases for Realme C65:
- Mobile gaming and running demanding applications.
- Multitasking and switching between apps quickly.
- Heavy use, where fast charging is beneficial.
- Users who need more storage for photos, videos and apps.
- Users who desire the benefits of updated software.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your primary use case? (e.g., photography, gaming, general use).
- How important is performance and charging speed?
- Which camera features are most important to you?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Casual user who values camera variety: Choose the Samsung Galaxy M12 for its versatility, provided that performance is not a priority.
- Scenario 2: Frequent gamer or power user: Choose the Realme C65 for its superior performance, faster charging, and newer software.
- Scenario 3: User needing both decent performance and camera versatility: Neither is ideal. Evaluate your priorities or consider another phone.
My Choice
Given the specifications and the current trends, I would choose the Realme C65.
Reasoning:
The Realme C65 offers a more complete package for most modern users. While the Samsung Galaxy M12 has the advantage of additional camera lenses (wide and macro) and the gyroscope, the Realme C65 wins in many other areas.
The much higher AnTuTu score indicates a significant performance advantage, which translates into a snappier and smoother user experience, essential for a daily driver. The newer Android 14 will also offer more support, features and security compared to the older Android 11. In addition, 45W fast charging on the Realme C65 would be incredibly convenient. Finally, its larger storage and RAM will make the phone more relevant for longer, and its slimmer design makes it more comfortable to hold.
Although the M12's additional lenses and sensors might be beneficial to some users, the overall package of the C65, with its superior performance, newer software, and faster charging, make it the more practical choice for a modern user. In essence, the Realme C65's core user experience is likely to be superior in many real-world scenarios, making it the better choice overall.
